The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has appealed to government to intensify efforts in 2026 to address what it describes as the rising dominance of foreigners in Ghana’s retail trading space.

The call was made by GUTA’s National Vice President, Clement Boateng, during a tour of Makola Market by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, alongside the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Tuesday, December 23.

Mr. Boateng stressed that existing laws clearly reserve retail trading for Ghanaians and warned that weak enforcement has allowed foreign participation in the sector to expand unchecked.

He noted that the situation is increasingly displacing local traders and undermining the intent of the regulations governing retail commerce.

As a result, he urged the ministry to review the current legal framework and ensure its strict implementation.

According to him, decisive action next year would help protect the livelihoods of Ghanaian traders and restore confidence in the enforcement of trade laws.